A dance made famous by President-elect Donald Trump has exploded into a sensation among American athletes, captivating the sports world as players use it to celebrate key moments during games. This newfound trend has its roots in the energetic displays Trump showcased at his rallies, where he often engaged his supporters with exuberant fist pumps and rhythmic movements.

The dance caught fire recently, especially after an unforgettable campaign town hall where Trump took a break to engage with his supporters by playing his favorite music for over 40 minutes, dancing along to classics like the iconic “YMCA” by The Village People. This celebration of Trump’s candidacy took a unique turn when following his historic reelection, athletes began referencing the “Trump dance” as a form of congratulatory expression on the field.

The trend made its official debut right after Trump’s reelection, thanks to Nick Bosa. The San Francisco 49ers defensive end, known for his vocal support of Trump, celebrated a sack during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by performing the dance, accompanied by teammates joining in the fun. When asked about his inspiration, he candidly remarked, “I think you know the answer to that question,” while acknowledging the enthusiasm of his teammates.

Bosa has previously caused a stir by publicly displaying his support for Trump, even wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat during a postgame interview, leading to a fine of $11,255 from the NFL for expressing political statements on the field.

The phenomenon continued to unfold at UFC 309, where fighter Jon Jones, who was present at the event, celebrated retaining his heavyweight title with a version of the dance and recognized Trump from ringside. The interaction between the two made headlines, showcasing a strong correlation between sports and Trump’s influence.

As NFL players showcased the “Trump dance” across fields over the weekend, athletes like Detroit Lions' Za'Darius Smith and Las Vegas Raiders' Brock Bowers joined in on the trend, with Bowers referencing his inspiration as being directly influenced by the UFC fight where he first saw Jones perform the dance. Notably, British golfer Charley Hull even brought the dance to her game at The ANNIKA event in Florida.

In an exciting turn of events, US Men's National Soccer Team star Christian Pulisic celebrated a goal in a CONCACAF Nations League match against Jamaica with the dance, although he hastily clarified that his celebration had no political motives, simply wanting to join in the fun he observed at NFL games.

This apparent acceptance of the “Trump dance” presents a stark contrast to the backlash faced by athletes who previously engaged in political activism. High-profile figures like Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James have faced criticism for their stance on social issues, while now, the positive reception surrounding the “Trump dance” suggests a significant shift in societal attitudes toward political expressions in sports.

Commentary from conservative commentators highlights this double standard, with discussions pointing to a renewed sense of pride among Republican supporters in America, reinforcing the narrative that it’s again “cool to be Republican.” Yet, some critics suggest an inconsistency, urging reassessment of whether all forms of political expression in sports are treated equally.

As the “Trump dance” continues to gain traction, it raises new questions about the intersection of sports and politics—challenging norms and sparking debate on what such trends mean in today’s politically charged landscape. Will this dance become a lasting expression of support, or will it too fall victim to the tides of public opinion? One thing is for sure: it’s an exciting conversation taking place on playing fields across the country.